Health Monday; Defeating Heat Rash!

Introduction

Rashes has been one of the most common skin problems faced by kids as well as adults.

Rashes can occur as a result of allergy to certain substances, heat, skin infections etc.

However, I'll be focusing on heat rash a.k.a prickly heat, it causes, consequences and solutions. I bet you want to know, why not read on.

Heat rash

Heat rash occurs especially where the weather is hot. In my country Nigeria precisely Akwa Ibom State, approximately 9 out of every 10 average - low class citizen suffer heat rash.

Cause of Heat Rash

Heat rash is formed when sweat is trapped in the skin pores causing the skin to get irritated thereby producing a rash.

Heat rash may or may not contain pus It may/may not also get itchy.

Babies/kids tend to be more susceptible this is because their sweat pores are not fully developed and get easily clogged.

It consequences

Heat rash does not really pose a severe threat to human life, however ;

• Heat rash leads to discomfort as a result of itching.

• Skin discoloration; spots where heat rash occurs appears rough and tends to look red or darker than the normal skin colour. This can be so unpleasing to look at.

• Heat rash can lead to Irritation.

• In rare cases, the skin can get infected as a result of scratching open a rash. The open wound created, if not properly taken care of can lead to an infection.

Solution to heat rash

Heat rash normally goes on it own after two to three days. The following may help keep it at bay.

• Bath as regularly as often, if that's not possible, use a moist face towel to wipe your skin. This helps to keep the sweat pores free.

• Stay in a properly ventilated room and use fan/A.c's as often as possible especially when the room gets hot.

• For the itching, Calamine lotion, a cool bath or clay chalk(nzu) would relieve a lot.

• Avoid strenuous work/exercises during the hot hours of the day as this would only promote excessive sweating and can lead to blocked sweat pores.

• Wear light clothes and avoid synthetic materials during hot weather. Clothes that allow passage of air to your skin(breathable clothes, e.g cotton) is advisable during the hot period as non-breathable clothes would clog the skin pores and induce rashes.

Precautions

Watch out for the following, and see a doctor if you notice any of this;

• Purple colouration where the rash occurs .
• Pus and swelling around the area where the rash occurs.
• pains around the area.

Conclusion

Heat rash though not deadly can be troublesome, let take precautions and live healthy.

Hope we have learnt a lot dear kids and parents, I hope we do have a healthy week ahead.

Love y'all
Adiós.

Cc,
@bossj23, @basil20 ,@emmyjnr

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